The battle for the next Dalai Lama
December 20, 2025
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14:01Now PlayingThe battle for the next Dalai Lama
YouTube Description
as posted by the channelAn existential moment for Tibet
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This video explores the centuries-old role of the Dalai Lama and the spiritual foundations of Tibet. It traces how a sacred tradition of reincarnation has been drawn into a modern geopolitical struggle. The story reveals China’s efforts to control the selection of the next Dalai Lama and reshape Tibetan Buddhism from within. For many Tibetans, this is not merely politics, but a fight over faith, identity, and survival. At stake is whether an ancient spiritual lineage can endure under the pressure of state power.
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Search Party is led and produced by Sam Ellis, a journalist, director, editor, and animator based in New York City. For more than 6 years, Ellis produced the hugely popular video series, Vox Atlas, for which he earned an Emmy nomination. He specializes in breaking down the most complex new stories and presenting them with a refreshing, accessible, and engaging visual style.
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